Horse Riding Holidays in Mongolia

Mongolia’s climate is extreme: summer days can hit 90°F, winter nights drop below -40°F, and sudden rain or snow can strike any month. Pack layers that work from June to September (most tours) or shoulder seasons.
Clothing list:

• Comfortable riding pants (no crotch seams – avoid chafing).
• Long-sleeve shirts + light T-shirts.
• Warm mid-layer: polar fleece or thick jumper.
• Rain jacket (waterproof & breathable).
• Rain pants or long waterproof over-trousers.
• Warm jacket for evenings (down or synthetic).
• Riding gloves + warm gloves for nights.
• Scarf / buff (dust + wind).
• Sun hat + wool hat / beanie.
• Sunglasses + high-SPF sunscreen.
• Lots of socks (wool or wicking).
• Non-synthetic underwear (prevents saddle rub).
• Swimsuit (summer lake swims).

Pro tip: bring one full change of clothes in hand luggage – Ulaanbaatar flights love to delay bags.

Most group treks provide tents, but everything else is on you.

Mandatory gear

• Sleeping bag (-10°C / 14°F or warmer) + silk/cotton liner (drap sac).
• Insulation mat / sleeping pad (bring your own – ground is rock hard).
• Waterproof dry bags for ALL belongings (tents & pack bags leak).
• Water bottle (1 L) + water filter or purifying tablets.
• Headlamp + spare batteries.
• Power bank.
• Personal first-aid kit (painkillers, diarrhea meds, plasters, broad-spectrum antibiotics, disinfectant, eye drops, insect bite cream).
• Mosquito + tick repellent (April–May + summer near Lake Huvsgul).
• Quick-dry towel.
• Small gifts for nomad families (toys, pencils, candy, flashlights – hospitality is sacred).

Optional but smart

• Camera + extra memory cards.
• Riding helmet (provided on most tours, but bring your own if you’re picky).
• Half-chaps (usually provided free).
• Seat saver / gel pad for long days.

Provided on group treks (except solo-trekkers)

• Helmet.
• Half-chaps.
• Tent.
• Basic sleeping bag & pad (still bring your own for warmth/comfort).

Ask your tour provider for exact weight limits.

Standard: English + Mongolian
Russian, French, German, Italian, Korean available at extra cost – book ahead. Confirm with your tour provider.

Yes — 90–100 kg (198–220 lbs). You'll mount from the ground (no blocks), so good physical fitness is a must.  
High-mountain or endurance routes can be stricter (down to 85 kg). 
Always double-check the exact limit with your tour provider.

• Not always required, but strongly recommended—get travel + medical + horseback riding coverage. Remote areas mean limited hospitals. Some tours require proof of riding insurance and a signed waiver. Check with your tour provider for details.

Not at all! Mongolian horses are tough, sure-footed, and used to all levels. Beginners get gentle mounts and support. That said, multi-day treks involve 4–6 hours/day in rugged terrain—rivers, hills, mud. If you're new, start with shorter rides. Tell your tour provider your skill level—they’ll match you right.

You’re in for epic:

• Ride with Kazakh eagle hunters (see golden eagles in action).
• Camp by rivers, lakes, glaciers (swim, fish, stargaze).
• Visit ancient temples (Gunjiin Sum, Manzushir Monastery ruins).
• Meet Tuvan shamans and nomadic families in gers.
• Trek Altai Mountains, Gobi, Khan Khentii, Bogd Khan Uul.
• See Przewalski’s horses (Takhi) in Hustai National Park.
• Experience Naadam Festival (horse racing, archery, wrestling—if timed right).

Pure wilderness. Real connection.